Bisley Church of England Primary School, located in Woking, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection on June 19 and 20, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils are polite, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. The staff fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging pupils to engage in activities that benefit others, such as organizing events for the elderly.
Pupils at Bisley look forward to a well-structured calendar of trips and overnight stays, which have been thoughtfully planned to enhance their life experiences, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The school emphasizes the importance of independence and exploration of the wider world, helping pupils develop essential character traits. Inclusivity is a key aspect of the school culture, with pupils demonstrating acceptance and appreciation for diversity. They enjoy welcoming visitors and learning from their experiences, which enriches their understanding of different perspectives.
The school has made notable strides in curriculum development since the last inspection. Leaders have redesigned the curriculum to ensure it is rich in knowledge and aligns with national standards. This has resulted in pupils achieving well compared to national averages. The early years provision is particularly strong, with clear pathways established for children to prepare them for future learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that curriculum planning focuses more on essential knowledge rather than just skills. This has occasionally led to less precise assessments and less effective learning activities.
The teaching of early reading and writing has seen significant enhancements, with staff receiving comprehensive training in phonics instruction. This has positively impacted pupils' reading abilities, especially those who struggle. The school has implemented effective strategies to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. The school recognizes the need to strengthen support for some disadvantaged pupils to improve their attendance.
Pupils are well-informed about online safety and mental health, and they engage in learning about various faiths and cultures. They develop practical skills and resilience through activities such as forest school sessions. Leadership at Bisley is a notable strength, with governors actively involved in the school's improvement journey. Staff express high levels of satisfaction with the school's ethos and culture, particularly early career teachers who feel well-supported in their professional development.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, there are recommendations for further improvement, particularly in clarifying essential knowledge across the curriculum and ensuring consistent implementation of high expectations for pupils' writing. The school is committed to ongoing training for staff to maintain high standards in teaching and learning across all year groups. Overall, Bisley Church of England Primary School is making commendable progress in providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for its pupils.
